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Shardiya or Sharad Navratri is a nine-day festival observed by Hinduism across India. This is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin which usually falls on the Gregorian calendar between September and October. This year Navratri started from Oct 3, 2024, to Oct 12, 2024.
There are four Navratris –
- Magha (winter)
- Chaitra (spring)
- Ashadha (monsoon)
- Sharad or Shardiya(autumn)
People consider Sharad or Shardiya (autumn) to be the most important, so they also call it Maha Navratri.
The nine-day Shardiya or Sharad Navratri occurs in the lunar month of Ashwin the last two days (Ashtami and Navami) are most fervently observed during Sharad Ritu. Sharad means autumn it commences at the start of fall getting over with dussehra i.e. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day which is also known as Vijaya Dashami.
Goddess Durga, after a nine-day battle, finally killed the demon Mahishasura on the tenth day, earning the title “Mahishasuramardini,” which means the slayer of Mahishasur.
Vijayadashami, the 10th day of Navratri, marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and the return of Goddess Sita.
Dussehra (or Vijayadashami) will fall on Saturday, October 12, 2024, marking the end of the nine-day festival.
The Sharad Navratri 2024 dates are as follows:
| Day 1 (October 3): | Pratipada – Dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri |
| Day 2 (October 4): | Dwitiya – Worship of Goddess Skandamata |
| Day 3 (October 5): | Tritiya – Devoted to Goddess Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 (October 6): | Chaturthi – Honoring Goddess Kushmanda |
| Day 5 (October 7): | Panchami – Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini |
| Day 6 (October 8): | Shashthi – Devoted to Goddess Katyayani |
| Day 7 (October 9): | Saptami – Honoring Goddess Kalaratri |
| Day 8 (October 10): | Ashtami – Celebrating Goddess Mahagauri |
| Day 9 (October 11): | Navami – Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri |
| Day 10 (October 12): | Vijayadashami or Dussehra |
9 Days of Devotion: Easy Ways to Celebrate Chaitra Navratri
Timings for Vijayadashami 2024:
Date: Oct 12, 2024
- Dashami Tithi Begins: 10: 58 AM
- Dashami Tithi Ends: 9:08 AM
- Shravana Nakshatra Begins: at 5:25 AM
Date: Oct 13, 2024
- Shravana Nakshatra Ends: 4:27 AM
- Vijay Muhurat: 02: 03 PM to 02:49 PM
- Aparahna Puja Time: 01:17 PM to 03:35 PM
The Nine Days of Sharad Navratri: Goddess, Colors, and Daily Significance
1: Goddess Shailaputri (Yellow) – Represents strength and stability. The color yellow signifies positivity and warmth.
2: Goddess Skandamata (Green) – Associated with growth and tranquility.
3: Goddess Chandraghanta (Grey) – Symbolizes bravery and courage.
4: Goddess Kushmanda (Orange) – Linked to the creation of the universe, orange symbolizes enthusiasm.
5: Goddess Brahmacharini (White) – White represents purity and serenity.
6: Goddess Katyayani (Red) – Red signifies courage and boldness.
7: Goddess Kalaratri (Blue) – Blue represents strength and protection from evil.
8: Goddess Mahagauri (Pink) – The color of love, beauty, and compassion.
9: Goddess Siddhidatri (Purple) – Symbolizing ambition and spiritual power.
Devotees dress in these colors during the nine days of Navratri to honor the goddess associated with each day.
Nine Days, Nine Colors: Celebrate Navratri with Colors
Dishes that you can eat while you’re fasting this Sharad Navratri
- Kuttu poori/paratha
- Aloo sabzi (with vrat-friendly spices and vegetables)
- Makhana kheer
- Sabudana tikki
- Samak khichdi
- Sabudana khichdi
- Paneer sabzi (with vrat-friendly spices and vegetables)
- Singhare poori/paratha
- Kuttu pakode
- Dahi aloo sabzi
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